We chatted with multiple designers to find the hottest styles of the summer — and they're all under $50 on Amazon.
When it comes to swimsuit shopping, we'd never throw you in the deep end. (Amazon)
Can you believe we're almost halfway through summer? If you're feeling a little "meh" about a recent swimsuit purchase and thinking, "It looked great when I bought it — what happened??!" — well, you're not alone. But, there's no use crying over spilled self-esteem when there's still half a season to get sorted and stunning for the next couple of months. In fact, we assembled a panel of fashion pros and swimwear designers to reveal insider secrets on what the most flattering suits are for this summer. Trust us, you’ll want to strut your stuff at the pool in these eye-catching styles!
We’re talking bold colors, fun cut-outs and stylish details that are anything but ordinary. So, where to start? Well, luckily, we found a variety of options on Amazon — all one-pieces — that are not only on-trend but also have tons of five-star ratings and glowing reviews from real women, who say they are super flattering. (And your trusty Yahoo editors gave a bunch of them a try too! See our unfiltered thoughts here.) Oh, and did we mention, every single option on our list is under $50?
Ready to dive in and refresh your waterfront wardrobe? Find out more about our 10 expert-approved swimsuits below, because if you're going to be soaking up the sun, it might as well be in a suit that's shore to impress.
Related: 7 swimwear styles that help you nail the 'rich mom' look on a budget this summer
Have you ever seen a tummy-control swimsuit this chic? "Cut-out detailing is huge right now," according to Sarah Heaton, head of product at Boohoo. So it makes sense that this skin-baring one-piece is a No. 1 bestseller on Amazon. The side ruching creates a slimming effect, while a criss-cross neckline and cutout give this pick a sexy, fashion-forward feel. Nearly 12,000 Amazon buyers give it five-star ratings.
"This swimsuit gave me life," said one style-revived customer. "It enhanced my shape and has tummy control too. Any thick girl can rock this. I've received so many compliments."
It comes in 22 colors and patterns, and sizes XS to 22-plus.
,Talk about a collision of sophistication and sex appeal. The one-shoulder silhouette and cutout work together to give this pick added allure. But, just in case tweaks are needed, the strap adjusts, and the suit comes with removable bra cups. Shoppers say it's super comfortable, and the ruching on the tummy makes it incredibly flattering. Bonus: It comes in a variety of pretty jewel tones and vibrant colors that Kara Lacayo, VP of design at YITTY, says are trending this season.
One customer called it the "best swimsuit" they've ever had. "I am 40 years old and don't have the body that I used to have, but still want to look cute in a swimsuit … The ruching on the side sort of hides my troubled tummy area without accentuating it."
Find 30-plus style options in sizes XXS to 20-plus.
This sophisticated one-piece features a sexy plunging neckline, removable cups and flattering ruching on the front. Adjustable criss-cross straps and a tie-closure in the back offer extra support and a comfy fit. Choose from 31 styles, including earthy hues like this light brown shade that Heaton says are "taking center stage" this summer. Available in small to 5XL, this pick is ultra size-inclusive.
"This suit is great! I’ve been struggling to find a good-fitting one-piece that doesn’t look weird. It’s super-cute and comfortable and has great support up top. I’ve put on some weight recently and am super self-conscious, but this makes me feel so great about where I’m at now," said one confident beauty.
Lacayo also tells us that fun, whimsical prints like this retro floral design are another hot trend this season. "It’s exciting to see people really embracing playful, expressive swim styles," she says. Its modest silhouette, scoop neck and side-tie skirt are just a few of the reasons why this suit has racked up a near-perfect rating on Amazon. This curve-hugging swimdress comes in 30 colors and patterns in sizes XS to 22-plus. If florals aren't your thing, the suit comes in playful paisley, polka dots and even tie-dye patterns.
"I'm 61, so not what I used to be body-wise, but this suit made me feel good about myself," wrote one stoked shopper. "The ruching was very flattering. Love the little side-tie skirt. It gives a little coverage for the top of my legs. I will more than likely be ordering another one in a different color or pattern."
This suit has all the coverage you want, plus mesh paneling for a touch of sex appeal. The thick shoulder straps are fully adjustable, and the attached sarong has a drawstring attached so you can show off as much thigh as you like. This comes in 30 styles, including a handful of print options like this sultry leopard style, which Stefania Frangista, owner and lead designer of her eponymous brand, is all about this season. "I am very excited about the revival of the animal-print trend," she tells us.
"This is the best swimsuit I've ever purchased," gushed one fan, who wasn't shy about standing out. "It's classy, but inviting, and covers the right areas while still saying 'HELLO!'"
This two-tone one-piece is another alluring way to add some trendy animal print to your swimwear drawer without going overboard. The stretchy, ultra-comfy maillot — coconut drink unfortunately not included — has thick adjustable straps, tummy-control ruching and a plunging, flattering twist-front neckline. Looking for extra support up top? Multiple buyers with bigger busts note that this pick delivers. Choose from sizes XXS through 24-plus and 23 styles.
"I'm a natural 38DD and typically feel as though I'm about to fall out of most swimsuits," noted one photogenic buyer, "but this was not the case with this ... Honestly, I have NEVER looked this good in a swimsuit and definitely never had the swimsuit look good in pictures."
Alissa Bristow, VP of creative/design at LSPACE, tells us that "novelty details continue to be key," and the soft ruffle trim and lace-up back of this one-piece make it feel feminine yet fresh. The silhouette has ruching around the tummy to help flatter your figure, and the adjustable ties at the back allow for a comfortable, custom fit. There are 25 styles to choose from, including a few pretty florals, in sizes XS to 2XL. More than 26,000 shoppers gave this beauty five stars.
"This is a great mom bathing suit!" wrote one buyer. "There's enough coverage to feel comfortable at the neighborhood pool, but it is still stylish and sexy. You can definitely get down and play with your kids."
Bristow also says, "High-leg bottoms are still the go-to silhouette," so it's no wonder that over 22,000 shoppers are five-star fans of this sleek, classic maillot. Featuring a deep V-neck, high-cut sides and ruching that smooths out your midsection, customers rave about how comfortable and flattering it is, with many saying they bought it in multiple colors (there are nearly 30 available).
"This is the most flattering swimsuit!" wrote one postpartum buyer looking for a bit of camouflage. "I've had two babies, and the tummy control definitely helps disguise the mom tum. I've bought this in three colors now."
Choose from sizes XS through XXL.
Want to avoid tan lines? Grab this strapless one-piece. A solid bandeau is timeless, flattering and effortlessly luxe. And this one comes with removable straps for those just-in-case moments. Super-inclusive sizing ranges from XXS to 28-plus and there are 30 styles to choose from, including on-trend earthy hues, jewel tones and whimsical prints.
Owners love it because the bust stays put and doesn't require constant adjustment. "The perfect strapless bathing suit," raved one. "I was pleasantly surprised how well it stays in place and how flattering this suit is," said another.
Get ready to sea-riously slay your beach game with this gorgeous swim dress. Over 1,000 of these suits were snapped up in the last month, thanks to their lightweight compression. Jen Hinton, chief creative officer and co-founder at Carve Designs, tells us compression suits are once again trending this summer because they help create a smooth silhouette. We personally love this style for how it sucks you in in all the right places, while the flirty skirt and gold details give it a high-fashion touch. It comes in 21 styles in sizes medium through XXL.
One seriously enthused buyer called it "absolutely stunning," before adding, "I am a mom of three and tend to struggle finding the perfect swimsuit. I found this one and OMG, it is so flattering to my body. I feel comfortable, and it looks so pretty. ... I am about to order one in every color!"
Want to get these suits in time for your next beach day (and save a few bucks while you're at it)? If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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